Armed with a number of improvements aimed at improving passenger comfort, fuel economy and carrying capacity, Ford's 2009 E-Series full-size van continues to serve as the backbone of the service and passenger shuttle industry. Customers who purchase the E-350 receive AdvanceTrac traction control teamed with Roll Stability Control (RSC), and last year's improvements to the suspension increase the maximum gross vehicle weight rating to 14,500 pounds. The big E-Series offers a number of configurations, including passenger, cargo and cutaway, and is available in half, three-quarter and one-ton models.

You'll Like This Car If...

If you need to move a lot of cargo or people, few vehicles are better equipped to do so than the E-Series. Seating for up to 15 passengers makes the E-Series the darling of the shuttle community. Did we mention a properly-equipped E-350 Super Duty can tow up to 10,000 pounds?

You May Not Like This Car If...

If you're looking for a family hauling vehicle, the E-Series is not as refined or as quiet inside as a full-size Expedition or Excursion. An SUV may fit your needs and your driveway better than a full-size van. If you require a van with all-wheel drive, only the Chevrolet Express Van can fulfill your needs.

What's New for 2009

For 2009, the Ford E-Series receives a new dash and door panels, more comfortable driver and passenger seats and wider opening rear doors. New options include a factory-installed navigation system and a first-in-class in-dash computer that can access the internet via the Sprint Mobile Broadband Network.

Driving the E250 Cargo

Driving Impressions
Driving an E-Series van is somewhat like piloting a big SUV, only there is a bit more rear overhang. Ford has done a good job making sure that...

certain aspects of the E-Series are not as gargantuan as the rest of the vehicle, such as placing the door handles down low so you don't have to reach up to operate them. In a nod to better visibility, the lower edge of the side glass extends far down the van's side, giving the passengers a good view in all directions and allowing the driver to see objects that might not appear in the sideview mirrors. The steering is moderately dampened to give the driver some sense of the road, and the ride is fairly smooth when the vehicle is fully loaded.

Favorite Features

In-Dash ComputerDeveloped by Magneti Marelli and powered by Microsoft Auto, the in-dash computer allows businesses to do business on the road. They system even includes a hook up for a printer.

Ford has done a good job minimizing the vastness of the E-Series' all-new instrument panel, at least from the driver's point of view. It's still a reach to access the audio, navigation and climate controls, but some redundant controls on the steering wheel greatly reduce the number of times you'll need to stretch your arm. Improved seating provides greater support in the passenger van, which includes 11- and 14-passenger configurations with an open center aisle. Factory installed options such as the Masterack tool storage system, Cable Lock tool security system and the QuietFlex rack and bin system allow owners to custom-tailor their vans to better suit specific work-related requirements.

Exterior

Though it has undergone extensive reworking over the years, the E-Series still retains the same basic shape that has defined Ford vans since the late 1970s. Large flush-mounted side glass provides an excellent view from within. The panel vans make wonderful conversion projects and come with a long list of optional fittings to make the job easier for the contractor. Larger front and rear disc brakes and calipers are fitted with a new brake pad material that improves stopping power and reduces heat buildup.

Options include a 255-horsepower 5.4-liter V8 (standard on E-450), a 305-horsepower 6.8-liter Triton V10 and a 235-horsepower 6.0-liter Power Stroke turbo diesel. Also on the list are a number of seating configurations, rear air conditioning, CD player, auxiliary input jack, aluminum wheels, sliding side cargo door, telescopic trailer tow mirrors, power driver's seat, a trailer towing package and the luxurious XLT Premium package. Another appealing option is the Masterack work bin storage system, which includes steel shelving, drawers and cabinets.

Under the Hood

The E-Series offers a strong line of engine choices, with the base V8 delivering good power and torque for the standard-wheelbase models. Extended-length E-250 and E-350 models offer a choice of powerplants, including the Triton V10 and Power Stroke V8 turbo diesel. While there is no denying the Power Stroke's ability to tow, the added premium of over $7,000 is difficult to justify, especially when the V10 offers more horsepower and nearly identical maximum torque, though at a higher rpm.}

"This excursion van is for those who enjoy travel along the highways. 20,000 of it's 90,000 miles is city and it's killing this gem. It was owned by my mother who as a foster parent travel the US with her foster children in tow. This van has seen so much of America and is in need of someone who can truly appreciate it's value."

"I have used this vehicle to pull a boat ever since it was new. The van is a veritable workhorse and very reliable. It's a pleasure to drive but compared to today's trucks it is a little on the "Thirsty" side... I Rate the Ford Van as EXCELLENT!!!"

"I have owned this van for six years and it has exceeded my expectations. We have a large family and needed a vehicle to travel in and get us all around together. The only thing I don't like about it is the back seat seat belts, they lock up too easy. After testing all the large vans on the market when we made this purchase we found the Ford E350 to be the most comfortable for all passengers. If you take out the back row, loosing 4 seats, there is tons of cargo space in this van. Gas mileage is about 15mpg, give or take 1mpg pending on gas type and driving conditions. Same as my old, much smaller, gas guzzler. :-) Be sure to spend the extra money on quality truck tires for this van."

I have loved this van.

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating

9/10

Value

10/10

Reliability

8/10

Quality

8/10

Performance

9/10

Styling

10/10

Comfort

10/10

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"As a mom with a lot of kids this has been my favorite car ever! Drives great and has lots of space for long trips. Much more comfortable than I would have thought. I have put 132,000 miles on it with little to no problems. I bought it slightly used with 16,000 miles on it."

Best bang for your buck

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating

9/10

Value

10/10

Reliability

9/10

Quality

8/10

Performance

7/10

Styling

8/10

Comfort

8/10

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"If your ever looking for an inexpensive tow vehicle, or you need that extra room to carry cargo and people, I would highly suggest looking at a Ford E250. This van does everything that I've asked it to do, such as fit 3 full size dirt bikes inside and 4 people with all our gear, or to sleep in when camping or going on desert trips. It has been a better value than the trucks I've had before. The design and drivetrain haven't changed much since they first came out in the early 90's, but they handle the road just fine and have plenty of power. With the 5.4, it will easily tow a 7000 pound boat behind (trailer brakes do help a lot though with reducing the braking distance). Overall, I think it's a very versatile vehicle for the money compared to most trucks and would recommend it to anyone needing a tow vehicle or cargo hauler on a budget, or you need to keep your cargo out of the elements."

"New transmission as of 1 year ago put in by Ford dealership and has been tuned up, new Goodyear Wrangler tires (1 month old). Van has an air compressor and vacuum unit inside along with headphone connections for either TV or radio for the rear and middle section passengers. It is a high top van, too. Power rear seat folds down into a bed and middle seats with come out or swivel around and face the back area. Special lighting in the unit, as well!"